Wabanaki Artifacts Unearth Rich History at University of New Brunswick

In a significant development for Indigenous heritage, a collaboration between the University of New Brunswick (UNB) and the Wolastoqey Nation has brought to light a collection of Wabanaki artifacts that had long remained untouched. Ramona Nicholas, the Wabanaki Heritage Lead at UNB, expressed her satisfaction with the project, stating, “I wanna say, it’s about time.” The initiative aims to study and document the artifacts housed in the university’s Archives and Special Collections Department, specifically the “Bailey Indian Artifact Collection.”

These artifacts, collected during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, had not previously been catalogued or studied. Many within the Wolastoqey Nation were unaware of their existence until researchers began exploring the collection in 2023. Initially thought to consist of a mere 25 artifacts, the collection revealed itself to contain 25 boxes filled with significant historical items. Ken Holyoke, an assistant professor of archaeology at the University of Lethbridge and one of the project’s co-leads, noted the unexpected scope of the collection, saying, “Oh, wow, that’s pretty significant.”

Historical Context of the Collection

The Bailey Collection is named after Loring Woart Bailey, a professor at UNB from 1861 to 1907, who had a keen interest in collecting artifacts from the Wolostoq region and surrounding areas. Bailey’s methods, however, raise ethical concerns; much of his collection was obtained without proper consent and often involved the disturbance of archaeological sites. Holyoke remarked that Bailey’s practices would be considered “looting by today’s standards,” as the removal of artifacts from their context hampers the understanding of their historical significance.

As the researchers began their inventory, they uncovered numerous items, including burial-related objects, leading them to pause and consult with the Wolastoqey Nation. They reached out to inform the community and to seek guidance on how to proceed with such sensitive materials. The response was positive, as Nicholas had previously performed ceremonial work related to some of these artifacts, particularly the burial beads.

A Collaborative Future

The partnership between UNB researchers and the Wolastoqey Nation has since flourished. The collection has been made accessible to Wolastoqey members, fostering community meetings and involving Wolastoqey students in the research and documentation process. Jamie Gorman, the resource development consultation coordinator with Neqotkuk First Nation, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunities this collaboration presents, stating, “We could do 3D casting… we could do a tour in the communities and expose people to these objects.”

Among the items catalogued are groundstone axes dating back to the Late Paleoindian Period, approximately 11,000 to 9,500 years ago. This challenges previous assumptions about human activity in New Brunswick during that time. Nicholas emphasized the significance of these findings, saying, “See, we were always here.” The collection offers valuable insights into Wabanaki ancestral life, particularly during the Late Maritime Archaic and Early Maritime Woodland periods.

While researchers have made strides in documenting the collection, they have been mindful to set aside sensitive materials, allowing elders and Wolastoqey leaders to determine the appropriate way to handle these artifacts. This approach respects the cultural significance of the items and the wishes of the community.

Dallas Tomah, a research assistant and member of the Wotstak First Nation, articulated the complex emotions surrounding the collection. He acknowledged the craftsmanship of his ancestors but also recognized the bittersweet nature of the artifacts’ history, noting that many Indigenous communities lack access to their heritage. “This is a very small fraction of what Indigenous communities don’t have access to,” Tomah stated, underscoring the importance of ensuring that Indigenous voices are included in discussions about their history.

The ongoing project aims to serve as a model for other archaeological collections, advocating for respectful practices that allow Indigenous communities to have a voice in research conducted on their heritage. Holyoke shared that preliminary discussions have begun regarding the possibility of returning the collection to the First Nation, viewing it as a potential healing process for the community.

As the project progresses, the collection is also in the process of being renamed. Nicholas recently facilitated a talking circle to gather input from the community, emphasizing the importance of continued engagement and accessibility. Gorman noted that while the collection raises difficult questions about the past, having Wolastoqey voices integrated into the project represents a positive step forward. “This is a good news story, more than it is emblematic of injustice in the past,” he concluded.

Through this collaboration, the University of New Brunswick and the Wolastoqey Nation are not only uncovering artifacts but are also forging a path toward reconciliation and understanding of Indigenous heritage in New Brunswick.